Bhutan, the tiny Himalayan kingdom famous for prioritizing Gross National Happiness over GDP, has made one of the world’s boldest economic bets on cryptocurrency.
By leveraging cheap, renewable hydropower to mine bitcoin, Bhutan has built a crypto reserve worth an estimated $1.3 billion, nearly 40% of its GDP. Since diversifying into crypto, the country has seen a dramatic drop in poverty, rising public-sector wages and a slowdown in brain drain.
Bhutan has also launched global firsts, from a nationwide crypto payment system for tourists to a blockchain-based digital identity platform and a gold-backed digital token. While critics warn of crypto’s volatility, Bhutan’s experiment is being closely watched as a rare case where a government-led crypto strategy appears to be delivering tangible economic gains.

Bhutan’s Crypto Bet: How Bitcoin Helped Cut Poverty in the Himalayas

Bhutan said Wednesday it will invest $1 billion from national cryptocurrency reserves to develop a "Mindfulness City", which it hopes will become an economic hub for the tiny Himalayan nation.


Bhutan: Gelephu City Gets $1 Billion Crypto Boost from Bhutanese King

In a rather ironic turn of events, Pakistan recently lauded the renovation of Lingzhi Dzong, a historic fortress in Bhutan, without knowing the key role of India in funding the project. The renovation, which took nearly seven years to complete, was part of India’s financial support to Bhutan, as outlined in the 12th Five-Year Plan, with a budget of Nu 400 million.


Pakistan's foreign ministry ends up praising an India-funded project in Bhutan

Scientists have introduced a new “Himalayan Quake Bomb” risk classification system, warning that several sections of the Himalayas may be far more vulnerable to major earthquakes than previously believed. This video explains how the new system works, which zones are now considered high-risk, and what this means for millions living across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan and China. Experts say preparedness is more urgent than ever.

Himalayan Quake Bomb: New Earthquake Risk Classification System

Relics of Lord Buddha arrived in Bhutan from India , welcomed with prayers by Bhutan’s senior monks and Queen Mother, in a ceremony steeped in reverence and timed for the Global Peace Prayer Festival & the birthday of the country’s fourth king. The Piprahwa relics, excavated in 1898 from an ancient stupa in Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, landed in Paro on Saturday.

Buddhist Monks & Dignitaries Hail Presence Of Buddha Relics

India-Bhutan Ties: Buddhist Monks & Dignitaries Hail Presence Of Buddha Relics 

This week on Wings, we bring to you the story of the journey of the sacred Buddha relics from Delhi to Bhutan, and how the local traditions of Ladakh find recognition through G tags. We also bring you some interesting stories about the Orient Express craze that swept through Europe. Italy is reviving the romance of rail with the luxurious train, La Dolce Vita Orient Express, whereas in Paris, the iconic Orient. Express is making headlines as the star of a new exhibition celebrating 100 years of art deco at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.


Sacred relics to Bhutan, GI tags of Ladakh, Orient Express in Europe 

India is expanding its energy ties with Bhutan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Bhutan this week, where he reaffirmed New Delhi's unwavering support for Thimphu. From attending the Global Peace Prayer Festival to inaugurating the Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric project, take a look at how these two South Asian nations are strengthening their bilateral ties.

Strengthening India-Bhutan Friendship

Pak Military Tightens Its Grip Over Power

Also on the Show:

- Deadly Red Fort Blast Trail Widens
- A Look at Timeless Ties of India and Bhutan 

Pak's 27th Amendment Bill Passed in Both Houses: Munir Gets Lifelong Immunity

Bhutan PM Lauds India's 'Heartfelt Gift': Monks Across The World Visit Peace Fest 

Relics of Lord Buddha arrived in Bhutan from India , welcomed with prayers by Bhutan’s senior monks and Queen Mother, in a ceremony steeped in reverence and timed for the Global Peace Prayer Festival & the birthday of the country’s fourth king. The Piprahwa relics, excavated in 1898 from an ancient stupa in Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, landed in Paro on Saturday.


Bhutan: Buddhist monks & dignitaries hail presence of Buddha relics 

Bhutan: Over 50,000 Buddhist monks from across the world visit peace fest

Bhutan Hosts Global Peace Prayer Festival, Indian PM To Visit Thimphu on Nov 11

WION on the ground: India sends sacred Piprahwa relics of Gautam Buddha to Bhutan

Buddha Relics Reach Bhutan Ahead of PM Modi’s Visit and Peace Festival 

India sends sacred Piprahwa relics of Gautam Buddha to Bhutan

For Bhutan, where Buddhism shapes daily life and Gross National Happiness guides policy, the relics’ presence feels transcendent. In the past, India has sent relics to other countries. 

Sacred relics of Buddha arrive in Bhutan from India

India strengthened its military presence at the strategic Siliguri Corridor, commonly known as the ‘Chicken’s Neck’. New outposts and fortifications have been established to secure this narrow land passage that connects mainland India to its northeastern states.

The corridor, critical for logistics and national security, lies close to international borders with China, Bhutan, and Nepal. Analysts note that the enhanced security measures are part of India’s ongoing strategy to protect key strategic points amid regional tensions.

India's New Outposts At 'Chicken's Neck': Siliguri Corridor Fortified

Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, it has transformed into a vibrant tapestry of devotion, as thousands of pilgrims from Bhutan and beyond converged for the inaugural Global Peace Prayer Festival. This landmark event, running from November 4 to 19, marks Bhutan's first hosting of the festival and aims to foster global harmony amid a world rife with division. Over 150 eminent Buddhist masters and 3,000 disciples from distant lands—spanning Asia, Europe, and the Americas—mingled with local faithful. 


Bhutan: 13-day spiritual gathering underway in Thimpu; PM Modi to visit Bhutan from Nov 11-12

A historic milestone closes the festival: from Nov. 15 to 19, over 250 nuns will receive full Bhikkhuni ordination at the Bhutan Nuns Foundation—the second such ceremony in the kingdom’s Mahayana tradition, advancing gender equity in monastic life.

In Bhutan’s Himalayan haven, Buddhist leaders convene for global peace prayers; India to send relics

Bhutan, the country that measures progress by Gross National Happiness, will host the Global Peace Prayer Festival from Nov 4–19. The 16-day event will gather top Buddhist leaders for rare rituals, peace prayers, and the historic ordination of 250 nuns.

Buddhist leaders to gather in Bhutan for a unique Global Peace Prayer

India-Bhutan Train Travel Soon: Cross Border Railway Project Approved

India and Bhutan have announced the launch of two major cross-border railway projects. This step was confirmed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during a special press briefing on Monday. The two rail projects will connect Banarhat, located in West Bengal, with Samtse in Bhutan, and Kokrajhar in Assam with Gelephu, Bhutan. This will mark the first-ever rail connectivity between the two countries, making it a milestone in their growing relationship.

India-Bhutan Train Travel Soon: Cross Border Railway Project Approved

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